Sixteen Queensland tourism operators will travel to Japan this week as part of a tourism trade mission, showcasing the State’s holiday experiences to up to 300 travel wholesalers and retail agents.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the Queensland on Tour Japan trade mission, organised by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) with the support of Jetstar, would visit Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo from 9–12 September.

“Queensland on Tour Japan is a great way to raise awareness of our State’s tourism experiences and events, in one of Queensland’s most important international markets,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Japan is Queensland’s fourth-largest international market with 169,000 Japanese visitors heading to Queensland in the year to June 2013, a one per cent increase on the year prior.

“They stayed more than 2.6 million nights and spent $312 million on their trips during this period.

“The tour provides operators with the opportunity to educate influential Japanese tourism players on Queensland tourism products and events and negotiate future business deals.”

Ms Stuckey said activities such as Queensland on Tour Japan would help entice more visitors to the State from this key market and supported the goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

“Gold Coast Tourism, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and operators from several Queensland destinations will be represented on the mission including wildlife parks, island resorts, theme parks and accommodation providers,” she said.

“Queensland on Tour Japan will be followed by ‘Dreamtime 2013’ in December – a Tourism Australia event dedicated to showcasing Australia’s outstanding incentive experiences to international business events buyers and media.

“Approximately 100 international business events decision-makers and international media will be invited to participate in the event, including a contingent from Japan.

“TEQ will support the event, which will see delegates embarking on pre or post-familiarisation tours in Queensland.”